Leadership (presence and personality)

Introduction

When leading in change management you need to develop a strong presence and personality to be successful.

Characteristics of a strong presence and personality:

- always walk with confidence (shoulders back, chest out, head up; take slow, measured strides, etc)

- listen intently (lean forward; maintain eye contact; don't interrupt, show a light smile, etc)

- always control your emotions (remain calm and poised at all times, etc)

- ask a lot of questions (do this before expressing your own point of view, etc)

- show compassion, empathy and sympathy (towards those who deserve it, etc)

- only admonish others in private (never admonish others in public or front of friends, family or colleagues, etc)

- always be  dressed appropriately (ideally dress smarter than what is called for on the invitation, etc)

- in public always be calm, cool and collected (never be under the influence of drugs, distorted, embarrassed or panicked in public, etc)

- treat everyone respectively (be humble, courteous and kind to everyone you meet)

- stand your ground against bullies, loudmouths and 'know-it-alls' (do not engage with them; simply look through them with unblinking, intelligent disgusted and move on, etc)

- treat the other gender with respect and dignity (offer them your seat, open the door, let them go first, etc)

- be humble (don't brag, embellish or inflate stories about yourself and your your adventures; talk like you are interacting with equals, not masters, etc)

- negotiate from a position of power (know all the relevant facts, ie have adequate knowledge; understand the other party's position, eg their wants, strengths, weaknesses; don't emphasise too much, don't repeat, be clear , etc)

- be mysterious (keep things to yourself like your personal life; don't let anyone know your plans, your business, your successes or failures)
(main source: Steve Kerwick, 2023)